Oedura

Oedura is a genus of medium to large geckos (Gekkonidae) found in Australia. They are referred to by the common name Velvet geckos. Most of the species occur in the Eastern States, with several others that are found in Western Australia.

They are mostly arboreal and nocturnal, and have flattened bodies that are distinctly patterned. They are secretive tree or rock dwellers, usually concealing themselves beneath peeling bark or in cracks and crevices. A species found in the Kimberley region, Oedura filicipoda, is named for the plumose fringing on the toes that may assist in clinging to rocky overhangs.^[2] All species are adapted to their dry conditions and can go for months without food or water.

Diversity

The type species for the genus is Oedura marmorata, first described by John Edward Gray in 1842.^[3] The following is a list of species:^[4]

• Oedura castelnaui, Northern Velvet Gecko
• Oedura coggeri, Northern Spotted Velvet Gecko
• Oedura filicipoda, Fringe-toed Velvet Gecko
• Oedura gemmata, Jewelled Velvet Gecko
• Oedura gracilis, Gracile Velvet Gecko
• Oedura jacovae Cooper, Keim & Hoskin (2007)
• Oedura jowalbinna Hoskin & Higgie, 2008
• Oedura lesueurii, Lesueur's Velvet Gecko
• Oedura marmorata, Marbled Velvet Gecko
• Oedura monilis, Ocellated Velvet Gecko
• Oedura obscura, Slim Velvet Gecko
• Oedura ocellata, Ocellated Velvet Gecko
• Oedura reticulata, Reticulated Velvet Gecko
• Oedura rhombifer, Zigzag Velvet Gecko
• Oedura robusta, Robust Velvet Gecko
• Oedura tryoni, Southern Spotted Velvet Gecko

References

1. ^ JCVI.org
2. ^ Browne-Cooper, Robert; Brian Bush, Brad Maryan, David Robinson (2007). Reptiles and Frogs in the Bush: Southwestern Australia. University of Western Australia Press. pp. 121, 122. ISBN 9778 1 920694 74 6. 
3. ^ Gray, J. E. 1842. Description of some hitherto unrecorded species of Australian reptiles and batrachians. Zoological Miscellany, London: Treuttel, Würtz & Co, pp. 51—57.
4. ^ Oedura at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database